How to Hook Up a Photocell
- 1). Turn off the breaker supplying power to the light receiving the photocell. Remove the cover plate from the light fixture by turning the mounting screws counterclockwise with the correct type screwdriver from a screwdriver set. Disconnect the wire nuts from the white (neutral) and black (hot) wires located inside the junction box holding the light fixture.
- 2). Measure the diameter of the photocell's threaded section by pulling a tape measure across the end of the threads. Secure a drill bit in a drill motor. Drill a hole through the light fixture cover plate where it will sit in direct sunlight.
- 3). Remove the castle nut from the back of the photocell. Slide the threaded section of the photocell through the drilled hole until the body of the photocell sits tight to the outside of the cover plate. Thread the castle nut on the threaded section of the cell to lock it in position.
- 4). Remove 1/2 inch of insulation from the black, red and white wires protruding from the back of the photocell with a combination wire cutter/stripper.
- 5). Twist the white wire of the photocell to the white wire of the house electrical system. Twist the black and red photocell wires to the black wire of the house's electrical system. Secure the two connections by twisting one wire nut over each set of twisted wires. Repeat the process for the green (ground) wire if your photocell requires grounding.
- 6). Install the cover plate to the junction box. Turn on the breaker to supply power to the installed light.